If you are experiencing Plantar Fasciitis, it is important to note that this condition may not resolve on its own. Fortunately, there are various methods, both natural and conventional, that can be employed to alleviate your discomfort.
Active Release Techniques
If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, incorporating Active Release Techniques into your treatment plan can be highly beneficial. This method focuses on applying targeted pressure to particular regions of your foot and ankle. By doing so, it helps alleviate the symptoms associated with this condition.
The purpose of this procedure is to target and eliminate scar tissue that has built up gradually. These dense adhesions have the potential to exert pressure on nerves, causing discomfort and weakening of muscles. To learn more about this procedure, click here.
This type of treatment is often used in conjunction with physical therapy to speed up recovery and get you back on your feet. The procedure can be painful, so it’s important to be careful and receive a thorough examination before undergoing the treatment.
The technique combines massage with deep tissue work. Your ART provider can use a combination of over 500 movements to help you regain range of motion. The process works to loosen your muscles and ligaments, and helps improve circulation.
Soft tissue mobilization
Among the most common treatments for plantar fasciitis are soft tissue mobilization, night splints, and anti-inflammatory medications. Although these methods have proven beneficial, they have also been criticized for their limited effectiveness.
Soft tissue mobilization is also known as “scraping.” It aims to release the swollen tissues and improve the mobility of the fascia. It is helpful for injured patients, as well as those who have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis.
Aside from soft tissue mobilization, there are other treatment options that are less invasive and more effective. These include icing, stretches, and strengthening exercises.
A corticosteroid injection can also help to relieve pain and inflammation. The injection is injected directly into the heel, which can ease the pain and provide some relief. However, long-term effects of the injection are not yet known.
Percutaneous needle tenotomy
Whether you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, a bunion, or a broken toe, there are a number of simple treatments available that can improve your condition. Some of these include physical therapy, over-the-counter pain medication, and orthotics.
In cases of more serious pain, surgery may be necessary. However, it’s usually the last option, as it can be expensive and cause complications. Fortunately, many of the surgical options have high success rates.
One type of surgery is called ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle tenotomy. This minimally invasive procedure allows patients to return to normal activities sooner. In addition, this method has minimal morbidity and cost.
During this process, doctors insert a small device through the skin to break up damaged tissue. This can be done under local anesthesia. The small device vibrates at a high ultrasonic frequency. This energy breaks up the damaged tissue and leaves the healthy tendon intact.
Ice packs
Using ice packs to treat plantar fasciitis can reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. However, if used improperly, it can actually cause further damage.
In general, it is best to treat plantar fasciitis with conservative, at-home treatment methods. This type of therapy may involve resting the foot, icing, compression and elevation.
It is also important to perform exercises that stretch the muscles of the leg and ankle. A good stretching routine can help relieve pain and speed up recovery.
Another way to increase circulation and decrease muscle cramping is to use an ice bath. The idea is to put your feet in a bowl of ice water for 10 to 15 minutes, then stand in it for a while.
If your doctor recommends a cortisone injection, this will be more effective when it is placed right at the point of pain. It will take a day or two for the injection to be effective, but it can provide long-term relief from plantar fasciitis.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be used to treat plantar fasciitis. They are typically prescribed in a multi-dose regimen over several weeks, but may be used in combination with other therapeutic measures. These medications dampen the effects of hormones called prostaglandins that trigger tissue repair. They can also cause kidney damage. However, they are helpful in the early stages of plantar fasciitis.
In some cases, the symptoms of plantar fasciitis can be controlled by simple treatments, including rest, physical therapy, and orthotics. In other cases, a patient may need to undergo surgery to release the plantar fascia.
In the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis, the primary goal is to relieve pain and prevent complications. For this reason, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually used in conjunction with other therapeutic measures.
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